Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition which affects the development of breast tissue in men. A relatively common condition among males, the condition can be embarrassing to men of all ages. It is a benign and harmless condition, and gynecomastia sometimes goes away on its own. But for patients who are eager to remove the excess tissue immediately, relief is available at the Breast Reduction Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angeles. Contact us today.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

Enlarged breasts is the main symptom of gynecomastia, the development of female-appearing breasts in men, though not the only one. In additional to larger breasts, sufferers of gynecomastia may notice a rubbery or firm feeling beneath the breasts. In addition, people with gynecomastia develop a lump beneath one or both nipples, which may feel tender when touched.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia has many causes. Primarily, the condition is due to an excess of estrogen combined with a lack of testosterone. Although it can occur at any stage of life, the condition is most common among three specific age groups, or when the body is naturally going through hormonal changes. The three age groups most commonly associated with gynecomastia are:

Newborns – The development of gynecomastia in newborns is caused by estrogen provided by the mother. Though they sometimes last longer, most cases of gynecomastia in newborn boys go away after a few months.

Preteen/Teen Boys – Due to the hormonal changes that naturally occur at this stage of life, many young boys begin developing gynecomastia when they go through puberty. Like with newborn children, cases of gynecomastia in preteen boys can go away within a few months, though there exists the possibility of it remaining for years at a time.

Adult Males – When males reach the ages of 50-80, the prevalence of gynecomastia once again occurs. At this stage in life, one out of every four men are affected by the condition.

Gynecomastia can also occur in people who abuse substances such as alcohol, marijuana, heroin, amphetamines, and various other street drugs.

Gynecomastia Treatments

For people who suffer from gynecomastia, relief comes in many forms. For many people, the condition goes away on its own, without any need for medications or surgery. For other people, however, assistance is required in order to get rid of the unsightly and embarrassing breasts. The best and most effective way to treat gynecomastia is through breast reduction surgery.

During male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Firouz will remove the excess fat beneath the nipple of the patient, leading to a more natural look of the breast and chest. Patients are put under anesthesia during the surgery, meaning that they will feel no pain or discomfort. After the procedure is over, patients are free to leave the same day, without the need of an overnight hospital stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia

Q: Is gynecomastia dangerous?

A: No. Gynecomastia is a physically harmless condition. However, most patients with the condition suffer psychologically. Young boys with gynecomastia often feel a sense of embarrassment and shame because of the condition. Even for adults, gynecomastia can be hard to cope with, and many have to endure the taunts and insults of their peers.

Q: How long is the recovery time from the surgery?

A: Recovery time from breast reduction surgery is minimal. Patients who undergo the procedure are free to return home hours after the surgery has been performed, though it’s recommended that they’re accompanied to and from the procedure by a friend or loved one. After the surgery, it’s important that the patient refrains from any heavy lifting or physically straining activities that could disrupt the healing process.

Q: Is it the surgery painful?

A: Since patients are placed under anesthesia during breast reduction surgery, they will feel no pain during the procedure. However, it’s possible that they may experience soreness, tenderness, and other lingering forms of pain after the surgery has been performed. For this, doctors can prescribe pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort patients may feel.

Contact the Breast Reduction Center of Excellence

Gynecomastia is often a burden for those who suffer from it. For those who seek immediate treatment for the condition, help is available at the Breast Reduction Center of Excellence in Los Angeles. Here, our surgeons are experts in breast reduction surgery and in all aspects relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and removal of gynecomastia. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified surgeons, or if you have any questions about the condition, please do not hesitate to call us at (888) 391-5720.

The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician’s judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions, and/or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: Content on this website is not intended to serve as medical advice and should not be construed as such. Please see a medical professional in order to obtain specific advice for your medical conditions.